Bentley Continental GT V8 S video review

The British brand's sporty V8 coupe offers a richness and roar that few cars can match.

The sportier version of the entry-level, V8-powered Bentley Continental with more power, revised suspension and some unique visual highlights.

What it isn't

Cheap, boring or slow, as the Continental is one of the most opulent GT cars on the planet.

What does it say about me?

That you’ve made it and enjoy the finer things in life.

What doesn’t it say about me?

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That you’ve outgrown more traditional, hardcore sports cars but still want something special and fast.

Who else is buying it?

Fat cats and top-end-of-town executives.

What colours does it come in?

There’s a rich, and extensive, palette of standard colours – including the searing Monaco yellow of our test car which costs an extra $11k – but Bentley will also create any colour you want.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

British comedian Stephen Fry; a smart, colourful character that is well-dressed and quick-witted despite his size.

Why would I buy it?

Because it’s just as quick to 100km/h as the W12-powered Continental. Plus, at the other end of the driving spectrum, there are very few cars that literally cocoon you from the rest of the world in the same way the Conti can.

Best bits?

The soundtrack from its V8; it’s got a glorious burble at low revs that rises to a growl as speeds increase and then a burbling woof when you back off the throttle.

Worst bits?

The fact that it weighs almost 2300kg means it’s more of a brilliant boulevard cruiser than a genuine sports car even though the smaller V8 weighs less than the W12. Otherwise, it’s missing some of the newer tech in top-end rivals; convenient features things like radar cruise, a head-up display and connectivity functions.

Will it let me down?

Even though the Continental is largely hand-built, there’s an element of craftsmanship that few cars can match and it feels rock solid. Besides, all the running gear underneath – the engine, gearbox and all-wheel drive transmission – is borrowed from Bentley's sister brand Audi, so it’s also well sorted.

Does it cost too much?

Is the Pope a catholic? Although anyone who can drop $400k on a car clearly doesn’t consider price as their main buying criteria. But, considering our test car had almost $100k worth of options – which included the $37k Extended Sports package that added carbon brakes, sports exhaust and carbon fibre trim as well as a $17k Mulliner trim with its 21-inch alloys and quilted leather seats, $11k for the Monaco yellow paint and $14k Naim top-end audio system – having the best Bentley in the corporate carpark starts to add up.

Will I get a deal?

Highly unlikely, particularly if you’re going to specify the car to your liking. But I’m sure Bentley would be willing to negotiate discreetly on demonstrator vehicles such as our test car.

Will it get me noticed?

Is the Pope … oh, I’ve used that one. Needless to say, that’s a yes; firstly because it’s a Bentley and secondly because you can’t miss the sound of its burbling V8. And, if you get it in yellow, then it stands out even more.

Does it go?

Sure does. Even though its V8 doesn’t have the full-whack tune of the Audi RS6 – which produces 412kW and 700Nm and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds – the Continental uses its all-paw traction and silky smooth eight-speed automatic to get off the line pretty rapidly.

Does it like corners?

Not as much as other sports cars because of its sheer mass, but it’s still no slouch through the bends with plenty of grip from its big tyres when the suspension is set to its sportiest mode.

What about bumps?

It’s almost a case of what bumps … as the air suspension, in its cushiest setting, almost irons out any irregularities in the road with such a plush ride.

How’s the stereo system?

Our test car was fitted with a $15k top-end system from Naim which is epic and would certainly be worth ticking first on the options list.

What about service stations?

Considering its size, the V8 S is not too bad with a claimed average of 10.9L/100km – almost 25 per cent better than the W12. But not that you’d know it, because the Continental doesn’t even have a fuel consumption reading. And not that you’d be likely to care if you were buying one anyway.

Would you buy one?

Sure … if I had the money and wanted to travel in style in a more relaxed kind of sports coupe.

What else should I consider?

There are very few direct rivals for the Continental in terms of its handcrafted nature, but you could also look at the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera Turbo or the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

The spin

The Bentley Continental GT V8 S is a glorious blend of sumptuous comfort and breathtaking performance.